John Edwards | A select collection of one hundred plates, consisting of the most beautiful exotic and British flowers, 1775, fine botanical engravings

John Edwards.

A select collection of one hundred plates, consisting of the most beautiful exotic and British flowers. London: for S. Hooper, 1775

Folio (454 x 285mm.), 100 hand-coloured engraved plates mostly by Edwards, contemporary diced russia, spine gilt, expert repair to the front joint

“A fine work with many beautiful plates” (Dunthorne).

It is likely that the illustrations were coloured by Edwards himself, as he not only made the drawings, but also etched and engraved most of the plates. Born in 1742, Edwards was both a botanical book illustrator and an artist for the calico-printing industry. He specialised in flower studies, and his works were exhibited at the Society of Artists and the Royal Academy.

Described by Henrey as "an outstanding folio volume", Edwards's work is not really a herbal at all "as a number of the species figured have no medical interest, and without doubt the plants were chosen for their decorative value" (Henrey, 2:17–18).

This second edition of Edwards's Herbal includes a new and "more suitable title," but contains the same letterpress and plates. As Henrey points out, the plates were primarily chosen for their decorative value, and it seems no coincidence that many flowers on Worcester porcelain of the period are directly inspired by Edwards's work.

PROVENANCE:

David Mill, bookplate; Frederick du Cane Godman, bookplate

LITERATURE:

Great Flower Books (1990), p.93; Dunthorne 104; Henrey 676; Nissen BBI 578; Stafleu TL2 1624